Wellness

[Carmie]

@bathina  I have seen that table many times.

As you know, SS and Medicare taxes are collected separately than the regular Federal taxes.  They should keep these funds in a separate account, but they are sent to the general fund.  I do not consider any money for SS or Medicare as being earmarked for the have nots.  These are programs paid for by all of us, but mostly by the middle class.

CHIP is for children and is usually not free.  There is a minimum income...if too low, you must go on Medicaid.  Most people pay for this program if they have children on it.  Even   High income earners can enroll their children.  The CHIP program is funded by each state, though th Federal Government does regulate it and pays a small portion.  That's why the percentage on the chart looks low.

No one should begrudge old people health insurance....they paid into it.  This is not a hand out, but an earned benefit.

Sick people and children who cannot work should be taken care of too.  That's a given.

The problem is not wanting to help people who need it.  The problem is that everyone, especially the wealthy are not constributing their fair share and some get out of paying anything.  This needs to change. It probably won't until the bottom falls out.  The middle wage earners can't keep up with paying the rising taxes.

[lovesrecess]

Just started Medicare 7 months ago. It is not the wonderful thing so many have said it is, at least not for me. Due to health issues, I have to see four specialists twice a year or more often....two of them don't take Medicare patients.....it is hard to find Drs in these areas who will.